JetBlue Airways is grappling with uncertainty in its long-term planning due to the ongoing impact of Pratt & Whitney’s (P&W) recall of PW1000G engines, particularly affecting its Airbus A320neo and A220 fleets. The airline’s CEO, Joanna Geraghty, expressed frustration during the Q3 earnings call, noting that the recall disrupts their capacity planning, especially for the period after 2025. The recall involves mandatory inspections and replacement of engine parts affected by potential defects from powder metal manufacturing processes.
This engine recall has forced JetBlue, like other airlines worldwide, to ground jets and adjust their fleet strategy. In response, JetBlue plans to keep 30 older aircraft, which it initially intended to retire, as a temporary measure to offset grounded jets. CFO Ursula Hurley said this will help mitigate capacity loss, though year-on-year capacity will still decline in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, and overall 2025 capacity will remain flat compared to 2024.
The recall’s broader impact will see an estimated 350 aircraft globally out of operation at any time through 2026, according to P&W’s parent company, RTX. JetBlue is actively negotiating compensation with P&W and has continued fleet expansions, including six new A220s in Q3, with an additional seven aircraft expected in Q4. The airline plans to replace its Embraer 190s with A220s, aiming to phase out the E190s by the end of 2025. However, the full implications for JetBlue’s post-2025 capacity remain uncertain, as discussions with P&W are ongoing.
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